AUTHOR and singer Jenny Hill is taking to the stage in a play set in the 17th century.

Jenny, who was Rector of the Parish of West Buckrose for five years until 2014, is taking the play across the North of England including St Michael’s Church in Malton.

The play, entitled ‘A Rehearsal of the Life and Death of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex’, is set in 1624.

Richard and Susannah, a lutenist and singer, are preparing a concert to mark the publication of a book – Gervase Markam’s Honour in his Perfection, which is dedicated to the Earl of Essex.

Although he was executed for treason over two decades before during Elizabeth’s reign, aged only 36, the hero-worship that existed during his lifetime continued, and he had a huge following.

The play tells of the eventful life of his years at court, and later as a soldier, his sometimes stormy relationship with the Queen, and the tragedy of his early death.

It is performed by Jenny, accompanied by Simon Nisbett on lute.

Jenny grew up in St Ives, Cornwall and trained as a singer at The London College of Music.She taught singing for many years, and founded three choirs.

Jenny’s solo experience is mostly in the field of early music. She is also a poet, a member of Whitby Writers’ Group, and tours with her collection Voices of the First World War. This is her first venture as a playwright.

Like many lutenists, Simon Nisbett started out as a guitarist. He became Licentiate of Trinity College, London in the early eighties, and taught guitar in schools in the South East for many years.

He always had a love of Early Music, and made the lute his first instrument some ten years ago, before moving to Scarborough. Simon has been performing with Jenny as Merry Melancholy for two years.

The performance takes place on Friday,July 6 at 7.30pm. Tickets can be booked at 01653 694289, £8, concessions £6, under 16s free.

For more information about about Merry Melancholy can be found on their website: http://merrymelancholy.co.uk/ https:/ and /www.facebook.com/tudorsong/